Willistown Troop 78

A Year in the Life of a Troop 78 Scout

This page shows examples of the usual activities and events that Troop 78 participates in each year. Troop 78 program revolves around outdoor activities that emphasize fun, traditional scout skills, development of leadership skills.

The weekend trips are one or two nights depending on the destination. High adventure trips are extended trips which last one or two weeks.

All the activities listed are typically included in the usual annual registration fee.

July

Camp Horseshoe

Our troop attends Camp Horseshoe for two weeks every summer. This is a prime time for the scouts to earn merit badges and ranks and participate in fun and competitive activities, including all of the traditional camp activities: swimming, boating, riflery, archery, crafts, camping and outdoor skills.

May

Canoe Trip

The beautiful month is a perfect time a take a weekend or day trip canoeing. The troop has long tradition canoeing in Canada and this is an opportunity for the scouts and leaders to practice their canoeing skills.

Recent trips have taken us to the Brandywine River, Delaware River, and Schuylkill River.

October

Fall hike or bike hike.

The troop will spend a weekend at a national, state or local park enjoying the sight and sounds of autumn. We usually choose a park with naturally beautiful vistas which come to life with color in the fall. Recent trips have been to Ricketts Glen State Park and World's End State Park.

Fall Court of Honor

On the first or second Sunday in October the troop holds its Fall award ceremony. All parents and friends and scouts are invited to see the presentation of all the merit badges, ranks and awards the scouts earned at summer camp.

Also at this event, the Scout-of-the-Year Award is presented. This award has been an annual tradition dating back to the 1930s.

Halloween Party

On the last Friday in October, the troop holds its annual Halloween Party. The scouts are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume and of course, there are plenty of Halloween snacks.

March

Historic Trip

March is devoted to a trip to a historic area. We are lucky to live in an area rich in local, state and national history. The troop enjoys visits to these exciting areas to learn about the important events which took place in times gone by.

Recent trips include visits to Gettysburg National Park, Antietam National Park, Harper's Ferry West Virginia, Ft. McHenry in Baltimore.

Spring Court of Honor

At this important event, attended by scouts, parents, family and friends, the troop awards the merit badges, ranks and awards earned since the start of the scout year. Also the troop will recognize the scouts newly elected to the Order of the Arrow.

September

First troop meeting

The troop ends the summer recess with its first meeting on the first Friday after Labor Day.

Beach Trip

The troop typically spends a weekend at the beach in September. Our favorite spots are Cape Henlopen in Delaware and Assateague National Park in Maryland or Chincoteague National Park in Virginia. The weekend includes a fun-filled day on the beach and usually a trip to the nearest boardwalk for a fun-filled evening on Saturday night.

April

Disney

A highlight of the troop year is our annual trip to Disney World. During Spring Break the troop descends on Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for a week of Disney magic. The scouts and leaders spend their days and nights enjoying the magic of the Disney parks on a five day all park hopper ticket.

February

Klondike Derby

This event is a local camporee, held at a county or township park and attended by troops from our local area. The troops get together for a weekend of scout skill competitions, fun and food.

November

Backpacking trip

This is the month the troop will go on a backpacking trip. The scouts learn how to back a pack and camp in the woods with minimal impact on the environment following the principals of Leave No Trace. Recent trip have been to the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

June

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting trip is always a fun weekend outing. The troop travels to one of several swift water rivers in the area for thrilling ride down the rapids. Recent trips include shooting the rapids on the Youghogany and Lehigh Rivers.

Field Day and Picnic

At this event all of the scouts, parents, relatives and friends are invited to join us for an afternoon of scout skill competitions and a family picnic. The scouts compete in fire building, knot tying, cooking and various races and other demonstrations of the scout skills they have learned over their time in scouts. Then we all enjoy a hamburger and hot dog barbeque with all the fixins'.

December

Educational Trip

In December the troop will take a weekend or day trip to an educational site. We understand December is a month full of Holiday and family events so the trip will typically be early in the month. Recent trips have included visits to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and to the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

Holiday Party

The troop has an annual tradition of a fun party with all the usual holiday snacks and a scout gift exchange. Every scout who wished to participate, brings in a small gift. Give one, take one.

January

The troop is very busy in January.

There are usually two campouts in January.

Winter Camp Father Son Weekend

Our longstanding traditional outing to Camp Horseshoe, our home away from home. Join us the first weekend in January for the annual Father Son Weekend. All scouts, dads, scout-age relatives and friends are welcome to join us for a fun weekend of games, scout skills and food.

Matje Farm

The last weekend of the month is spent at Matje Farm, our other home away from home. This is large property in rural Pennsylvania owned by our longtime troop member and friend Bob Matje. He and his family welcome the troop to their property every year for a weekend of cross country and downhill skiing, archery, skeet shooting, sleding and general winter fun.

This is a 7 to 10 day trip to Canada to canoe in the wilderness in the province of Ontario. The scouts and leaders spend their time exploring the untamed wilderness of Algonquin Park, often passing the entire time without seeing another person outside their group.